Walker V Gerken: Jim Deal Expires In 48 Hours

West Ham`s James Walker could make his final showing in goal for the U`s tonight, but is Paul Lambert being unfair on Dean Gerken?

The Colchester United manager has called the expiration of Walker`s current contract, which he wanted desperately to renew, "disastrous," in today`s Evening Gazette.

"You don`t have to be Einstein to know that Jimmy has done well," said the Scot, talking as the side prepare to face Huddersfield. Walker is due back in London on Thursday.

He stated that United owner Robbie Cowling has been trying to extend the deal "every day" since the club`s failure to secure him on loan in time for January`s transfer deadline.

The confusion over his move was initially thought not to be an issue because FIFA had given all clubs the right to special dispensation to complete deals last month due to bad snowy conditions.

In Walker`s case, although he was already with the U`s, the club said they thought he was staying until the end of the current season.

Boss Lambert is even said he saw the fax go through which should have confirmed Walker as a Colchester player for at least the remainder of this current season.

Yet Dean Gerken, a Colchester crowd favourite, has just been recalled from Darlington, where he has been in fine form. The young stopper was instrumental in goal during the club`s 2006-7 season, in a vintage Championship level campaign.

Lambert`s other comments on Walker: "To lose him would be nothing short of disastrous. We`re trying everything we possibly can to try and get it rectified."

Do you think this is the right view to take, or would you like the gaffer to be more supportive of ex-No.1, Gerken?

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